{"id":1812793,"date":"2026-07-04T11:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T11:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/pt\/?p=1812793"},"modified":"2026-07-04T11:00:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T11:00:18","slug":"clive-davis-death-stars-react-to-legendary-music-moguls-passing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/pt\/clive-davis-death-stars-react-to-legendary-music-moguls-passing\/","title":{"rendered":"Clive Davis Death: Stars React to Legendary Music Mogul\u2019s Passing"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\tLegendary music executive Clive Davis died<\/a> from age-related illness at 94 on Monday (June 22). Davis was a hit-making titan and known for shaping the careers of superstars such as Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Maroon 5.<\/p>\n

\n\tDavis<\/a> served as the president of Columbia Records from 1967 to 1973 and then founded Arista Records, which saw him sign Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith and Dionne Warwick. He later founded J Records in 2000 where Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 called home.<\/p>\n

\n\tThroughout his six decades of brilliance in the music industry, Davis served as a mentor to acts such as Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Aerosmith, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Usher, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson and Luther Vandross.<\/p>\n

\n\tClive Davis\u2019 pre-Grammy party has also been a star-studded staple of the awards weekend throughout the years.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cTo the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,\u201d Davis\u2019 family said in a statement on social media<\/a> announcing his death. \u201cHe discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cTo his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cThrough every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive\u2019s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThere\u2019s been an outpouring of support since the news of Davis\u2019 passing was announced by his family early Monday. <\/p>\n

\n\tAmong those to pay tribute to Davis was Springsteen. \u201cOver here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend, Clive Davis. At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records,\u201d Springsteen wrote<\/a> on his website and Instagram. \u201cHe treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKeys, who just performed at the Knicks ticker-tape parade on Thursday (June 18), remembered Davis with a photo collage of the two of them together shared via her Instagram Stories. She added a simple dove and purple heart emoji to the snap.<\/p>\n

\n\tSinger-songwriter Ray Parker Jr., who crafted the Ghostbusters theme song, issued a statement to Billboard regarding his friendship with Davis. \u201cI considered Clive a personal friend even outside of music as he spent hours teach me how to live life,\u201d the Grammy-winning artist said. \u201cHe also, while sick these last few weeks, wrote me the nicest, heartfelt letter for my birthday on May 1. I love you, Clive, always! You blessed us all!\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tIn a statement shared with Billboard, Carlos Santana remembered the man he considers a \u201cvisionary\u201d of the music industry. \u201cHe could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful,\u201d he said in part, also noting how the mogul encouraged musicians to trust in their voices. \u201cClive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world. \u2026 I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRob Thomas, the vocalist on Santana\u2019s nine-time Grammy-winning \u201cSmooth\u201d \u2014 which Davis masterminded as part of the Supernatural album \u2014 also shared a tribute on Instagram.<\/p>\n

\n\tJennifer Hudson<\/a>, one of the artists most closely associated with Davis\u2019 later career at J Records, wrote on X: \u201cI needed a moment\u2026 This was a huge blow to wake up to. I know Nobody lives forever, but Clive\u2019s impact and legacy will always live on! Yes, he was the legendary music mogul, but he was family to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. You will be missed, Clive! We will always celebrate your life and legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe estate of Whitney Houston<\/a> shared a photograph of Davis and Houston at her Arista Records contract signing in 1983 on Instagram, alongside the message \u201cRest in Peace, Clive Davis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRod Stewart<\/a> credited Davis with creating the career-defining chapter that became his Great American Songbook series. \u201cI owe Clive so much,\u201d Stewart wrote on Instagram. \u201cThe force behind J Records, he was the only one who believed a rock singer could sing the standards with conviction. Other labels rejected the idea, and so The Great American Songbook was born, selling close to 40 million copies. He was a giant of a man in the music business. We had some wonderful, unforgettable times together, but for now, Mr. Davis, it\u2019s goodbye, my dear friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBarry Manilow<\/a> reflected on a partnership spanning more than five decades. \u201cMy heart is heavy with the loss of my friend Clive Davis,\u201d Manilow wrote. \u201cFor fifty years we worked together, created together, argued together, and celebrated together. Yes, some would say it was business. But to Clive, it never was. It was family. And I was honored to be a part of his. Thank you Clive. I wish we could do it all again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBilly Joel<\/a> credited Davis with convincing him to sign with Columbia Records. \u201cHe recognized the talent of great musicians and understood the power of contemporary music,\u201d Joel wrote. \u201cI will always be grateful to Clive for his recognition of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tNeil Diamond<\/a> called Davis \u201ca titan.\u201d \u201cHe was the first to sign me to the big leagues after being on independent labels, a move which catapulted my career,\u201d Diamond said in a statement. \u201cI will always be grateful to him for that and will miss his presence in the business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMichael Bubl\u00e9<\/a> wrote on Instagram: \u201cHeartbroken to hear of the passing of Clive Davis. Clive wasn\u2019t just a music legend, he was a champion of artists and someone who believed in people and their dreams. Forever grateful for his guidance, his generosity, and the opportunities he gave so many of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKISS co-founder Paul Stanley called Davis \u201ca one of a kind genius\u201d on X, writing: \u201cThe music world and all those who have loved music for six decades have lost the visionary and champion of so many artists in so many genres.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tVeteran producer Narada Michael Walden, who helmed hits for Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston under Davis\u2019 watch, wrote: \u201cClive Davis believed in great songs, great artists, and great records. Through Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and so many others, our paths crossed in music history. Thank you, Clive, for believing in excellence and helping bring so much joy to the world through music. Rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tGavin DeGraw<\/a> wrote on X: \u201cYour impact on the world of art and music is immeasurable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDef Jam cofounder Russell Simmons paid homage<\/a> to Davis on Instagram. \u201cFarewell old friend you inspired many,\u201d Simmons captioned his post with a heart emoji.<\/p>\n

\n\tJermaine Dupri and Diplo added their condolences to the post announcing Davis\u2019 passing on Instagram. \u201cRip Boss,\u201d Diplo wrote, while Dupri commented a series of praying hands emojis.<\/p>\n

\n\tSinger-songwriter Patti Smith offered a heartfelt Instagram post<\/a> eulogizing Davis and showed how grateful she was for the mogul being an early believer in her talents. \u201cThis is thanking Clive Davis for transforming music, and on a very personal note, for believing in me, shepherding my efforts and a half century of your love and support,\u201d Smith wrote.<\/p>\n

\n\tGrammy-winning singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. added a tribute on IG.<\/a> \u201cSo saddened to hear about the death of clive davis\u2026 he was a giant in the music industry \u2013 and such a nice man\u2026 rest in peace, @clivejdavis,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

\n\tSongwriter Diane Warren penned a poignant tribute to Davis<\/a>, comparing the music giant\u2019s death to the feeling of losing her father.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cDear Clive, losing You today feels like losing my father. Because you were always family to me. It was ny Dad who believed in me in the very beginning, it was you who never stopped believing in me. By having so many of your artists record my songs, even the ones who didn\u2019t want to. And there were a few of those. I loved to play You songs and watch the look on your face when a song moved You. You really loved songs. And truly appreciated songwriters,\u201d she wrote. \u201cYou didnt look at fucking numbers and data, the only data that mattered to You was how it made you feel. Countless artists and songwriters owe everything to You. I am one of them. Without You I would never have the career I have. I know that. I will always cherish our friendship. No one will ever come close to what You have achieved. No one. Ever. Rest easy my dear friend, im sure there will be great voices to discover waiting for You in Heaven. I love You and I\u2019m everything I an because you loved me. Thank You for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tEsteemed production duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff were mentored by Davis, and the Philadelphia Soul founders paid tribute to the late music mogul in a statement to Billboard. <\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cGamble and Huff very sadly mourn the loss of their very longtime and dear friend Clive Davis. \u00a0Clive was responsible for giving us our official start in the music business with the launch of our record label Philadelphia International Records through CBS Records,\u201d Gamble and Huff stated. \u201cClive Davis\u2019 appreciation and love for Soul and Rhythm and Blues gave birth and the platform for the Sound of Philadelphia to be heard all over the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThey continued: \u201cWe will be forever be grateful for what Clive Davis has done for our music career and the impact he had on the music business in the history of music in general around the world. We will greatly miss our friend and mentor and send our deepest condolences to his family and our music family and colleagues worldwide!\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDionne Warwick was one of Arista\u2019s superstars under Davis\u2019 reign, and the pair remained close in the decades since. <\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cClive Davis, what is there to say? My dear friend lived a more than promised allotted time and made each moment count. I am truly going to miss him,\u201d she said in a statement. \u201cHe always wanted to know \u2018where\u2019s my Dionne?\u2019\u00a0I referred to him as the brown shoe, white sock record executive.\u00a0I can think of no other record man that seemed to have that magical ability to know a hit when he heard a song. The entire music industry I\u2019m sure will mourn his passing. He was one of a kind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKenny Loggins made a career out of penning memorable movie themes and soundtrack hits, and Loggins believes he owes it all to Clive Davis. <\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cI owe my career to Clive Davis. He believed in me when others would only \u2018wait and see.\u2019 He had the ability to use his \u2018gut\u2019 instead of just looking at the numbers,\u201d Loggins relayed in a statement. \u201cThe last of his kind in this business, he will be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMelissa Manchester joined Davis\u2019 Arista Records when Arista absorbed Bell Records in the mid-\u201970s. Although Manchester and Davis didn\u2019t see eye to eye at times on the direction of her career, she appreciated Davis\u2019 belief in her artistry and the two remained friends until his passing on Monday.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cClive Davis has died at age 94.\u00a0Clive was the head of Arista Records for many years.\u00a0Arista had absorbed Bell Records, where\u00a0Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando & Dawn\u00a0<\/strong>and I had been signed, so we three became the foundation upon which Clive built his new company.\u00a0I struggled with Clive\u2019s vision for my career sometimes,\u201d Manchester said in a statement.\u00a0\u201cHe struggled to understand me sometimes.\u00a0I\u2019d had great success and withering disappointments with him but, in the end, I was grateful that he believed in my talent in an unwavering way for so long.\u00a0Here is the last photo we recently took together.\u00a0He said, \u201cCall me whenever you\u2019re performing in town.\u00a0I\u2019ll come.\u201d\u00a0I swear I was just about to call him.\u00a0Rest easy now, Clive, and thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDavis is survived by his four children \u2014 sons Fred, Doug and Mitchell, and daughter Lauren \u2014 as well as his eight grandchildren (Austin, Charlie, Matthew, Hayley, Harper, Sloane, Billie and Cody), two great-grandchildren, cousin Jo Schuman and partner Greg Schriefer.<\/p>\n


\"Billboard
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\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.billboard.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n